Authenticity, for me, is about staying true to what I do and valuing the things I share, whether in my personal life or my professional journey. It’s a commitment to consistently showing up as myself. One of the things that has remained close to my heart is my passion for storytelling, whether through blogging or creating content for social media. I share about events I’ve attended, and the incredible food and travel experiences I’ve had. Since I started this journey in 2017, it’s given me a profound sense of purpose and opened doors for me to make a difference beyond being just a digital artist. But as content creation has evolved, I’ve sometimes found myself questioning if I should let go of writing and focus more on social media.
At one point, I even stopped using my blog, convinced that blogging was becoming irrelevant and that I needed to dive headfirst into social media. It was a tough transition, and I remember feeling almost disconnected from my true self, like I’d lost that core authenticity that blogging had once given me. Eventually, I realized how much I missed it and found myself wanting to return to writing again.
During the pandemic, I had the honor of being nominated for the Best Cebu Quarantine Blog. Although there wasn’t a physical awards ceremony that year, it reminded me of why I started. In those months, I wrote so much, partly out of boredom, but also as a way to reconnect with myself. That period pushed me to rebuild my personal website and include my digital artworks there, making it a space that truly represented all the pieces of who I am.
I’ve attended the BCBA Awards as a guest several times, and it’s always inspiring to watch my friends in the blogging world accepting awards and giving heartfelt speeches. Each time, I would think, Maybe one day, I could be one of those finalists. But I knew it wasn’t easy; there are so many talented content creators in Cebu, and it often felt out of reach with my small following.
This year, though, something incredible happened—I was finally named a finalist for the Best Cebu Personal Blog category. Seeing my name on that list felt surreal, like I was on cloud nine. And in that moment, I thought about my C3 family. Although I recently stepped away from C3 to join a new blogging group, I’ll always remember the people who helped me start my blogging journey in 2017. Seven years with them taught me so much, and I’m deeply grateful for the ways they encouraged me to grow as both a creator and a person. Growth, after all, involves learning and adapting, even when it means facing painful changes or hard choices. But as one door closes, new ones open, bringing fresh opportunities and new chapters.
Joining the Cebu Bloggers Society is the beginning of that new chapter. I’m excited to explore new horizons in the blogosphere and continue to learn and grow. What I value most—and hope to hold onto—is my core of authenticity. Being authentic, especially in the fast-changing world of content creation, is not always easy. With new technologies like AI, changing algorithms, and rising expectations, it takes resilience to stay grounded.
I want to keep building content on a strong foundation of genuine storytelling, quality photography, and meaningful engagement. Numbers matter less to me these days; instead, I’ve noticed that businesses value authentic content that tells a story in a real, organic way. Staying true to my core helps me maintain a clear narrative and focus on what’s worth sharing.
To my fellow BCBA 2024 finalists, I genuinely wish you all the best. Being included among this year’s finalists is such an honor, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside such inspiring creators. I’m thrilled to experience this BCBA moment with all of you, and who knows—maybe our paths will cross again in future years, creating even more memories together.
What is BCBA 2024?
The Best Cebu Blogs Awards (BCBA) is an annual event that honors exceptional bloggers based in Cebu. As the pioneering award-giving body dedicated to recognizing the vibrant blogosphere of Cebu, BCBA celebrates the significant contributions of Cebuano bloggers both in the Visayas and across the Philippines. The awards aim to showcase the best blogs by Cebu-based creators, highlighting their influence and impact on the digital landscape, and positioning them on par with their global counterparts.
Best Cebu Blogs Awards is organized and managed by volunteer bloggers, led by Cebu Bloggers Society founder, Mark Monta. Each year, a new panel of judges is selected to evaluate blogs across various categories. These judges come from diverse regions, including Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, General Santos, Davao, and, of course, Cebu, ensuring a well-rounded and impartial selection process.
Sponsors
BCBA 2024 wouldn’t be possible without these wonderful sponsors.
CO-PRESENTER
GOLD SPONSORS
Bank of the Philippine Islands
OFFICIAL DESIGNER:
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER:
DONOR SPONSORS:
BLOGGER PARTNERS
Prime Blogging Organization in Cebu
PARTNERS
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